Professor Potter Chapter 21 Godric's Hollow

After a night of relaxation and fun the like of which Harry had not had for a long time, Sunday morning came and it was time to face reality again. He brooded in silence as he sat in the kitchen of Grimmauld Place eating breakfast with Ginny. Finally, she could stand it no more.

"Tell me what's bothering you. Did I do…?"

"No, no," he quickly said. "It's not you. It's just…everything else. Snape, the wand, that damn book, Stone, teaching, trying to be an Auror…my mother…it's all so crazy. You're the only thing in my life that makes sense."

She reached across the table and took his hand. "You don't have to do this, Harry. You can leave, go away. You know I will follow you anywhere."

"I know," he replied, squeezing her hand. "But I…we…can't leave. There is too much to do."

"You've done enough, haven't you?"

"Apparently not."

"It's not fair," she said. She wasn't angry, wasn't whining like Malfoy had been, talking about his father in prison. She was just stating a fact.

"No…it's not fair…but it's there and it not going to go away. And if Stone is trying to do what I think he is trying to do, then we must stop him."

Ginny looked at him steadily, then took a breath and in a rush said what he thought she had been holding back for some days now, since she had discovered what was really going on. "You can't do this alone. We need to tell McGonagall and Charlie George what is going on."

Harry sensed her tense for a sharp retort from him but he felt drained of any energy to argue.

"Yes," he said in bare whisper and her eyes widened slightly and then she held his hand tighter.

"I'll stay by you no matter what happens," she said.

"Even if they think I'm mad?"

"I don't think you're mad."

Harry smiled. "Thanks. But before we tell anyone else, we need to do something first."

"What?"

"We need to go to Godric's Hollow."

"Why?"

"I want to find out more about my parents, and that book, and Ignotus Peverell."

Ginny looked puzzled. "How can we do that?"

"I don't know yet, but I have a feeling a lot of answers are at Godric's Hollow."

"Okay, but I should really go back to the school. It's still early so maybe nobody noticed I'm missing."

"I want you to come with me." It was said calmly and without a hint of argument.

Ginny hesitated just a second before nodding. "Let me take a shower first."

A half hour later, after goodbyes to Kreacher, they Apparated to a secluded spot just outside of Godric's hollow. It was a cloudy day with a chill in the air, and a hint of perhaps rain later on.

"Where to first?" Ginny asked.

"The church," Harry said. "Hermione mentioned that church's often keep records of births and deaths, going back centuries. Maybe there is a record of the Peverell family."

They started walking and soon hit a road going into the village.

"But Harry," Ginny said as they walked into the village. "We don't even know when he was born."

"Maybe it's written on his grave marker."

It was Sunday morning and the village was quiet as they approached the church. As they walked, Ginny took out her wand and before Harry could say stop, worried about any Muggles looking out windows, she conjured a bunch of flowers in her hand.

"For your parents," she said and Harry just smiled weakly and nodded, getting a sudden lump in his throat.

Harry need not have worried about nosy Muggles because most of them were at the church. As they rounded a corner they got a small shock to see a crowd of people in the graveyard. Apparently a funeral was going on.

"Harry," Ginny said suddenly. "Let's…let's wait back here."

"Sure," he replied and then Ginny gave a little sniff and he looked at her and her eyes seemed to be on the verge of tears.

"What's the matter?' he asked in a concerned tone.

"Fred," she barely whispered. "I…I just remembered…when we…his funeral."

Harry put an arm around her shoulders and squeezed tight. Suddenly a voice from behind them interrupted the moment.

"Mr. Potter?"

They turned in surprise to see Mr. Robinson, the elderly senior partner of the law firm that had handled Harry's inheritance. They had met him last spring when Harry had found out he had inherited his parents property in Godric's Hollow. He was a Muggle, who had been the junior partner in a law firm run by a wizard named Wilbur Smith. Robinson had been hired by Smith over forty years ago to run the Muggle end of his business, and was now senior partner since Smith had died last spring.

"Good-day, sir," Harry said as they shook hands. "I believe you have met Ginny before."

"Ah, yes," said Robinson shaking her hand also. "And how are your parents?"

"Fine," Ginny said, still blinking back her tears.

"Your father was most helpful in finding a wizard legal advisor to help us out here," said Robinson. "Not that we have too many wizard clients left, but I still need a spot of help now and then. So…do you know the deceased?"

He was looking at the flowers in Ginny's hands and to her face which was still quiet sad. Harry caught on quickly. "No, actually we were going to visit my parent's grave."

"Oh yes, of course," said the lawyer. "Well, if you will excuse me, I must pay my respects."

He was about to walk by when Harry was seized by an idea. "Mr. Robinson…I was wondering if you could help me?"

The elderly lawyer stopped and nodded. "Of course. Perhaps we can chat after the service is over. There is a nice café on the High Street called the Spot of Tea. Shall we say in about 30 minutes?"

"Sounds fine," said Harry, and then Robinson slowly walked toward where the funeral service was still going on.

"Why do you want to speak to him?" Ginny asked as soon as Robinson was out of earshot.

"I want to ask him about my parent's death. And about the Peverell family."

"Do you think he knows something?"

"He's lived here a long time and he's a lawyer. It's worth a shot," Harry answered, then looked at her with concern. "Are you okay?"

She smiled slightly and nodded. "Yes. Just haven't thought about Fred much lately. Come on, let's visit your parents. I'll be fine."

She took his arm and they walked into the graveyard though a gate a bit away from the mourners. As they walked to Harry's parents grave, they could see the casket of the deceased being lowered into the ground and the mourners beginning to depart.

"We're here," Harry said. Ginny bent to place the flowers on his parent's grave and then stood and put her arm around his waist. For a long moment they just stood in silence as Harry tried to control his emotions. His mother was there, so close and so far away at the same time. Could he bring her back? Was it possible? Was it right? He had no answers, but felt a burning desire to have all this over with so he could put the past behind him and get on with having a normal life, if such a thing were even possible.

"Come on," Ginny said to him after a long while. "Time to meet Mr. Robinson."

They found their way to the High Street and were soon in the café, ordering cups of steaming tea and some biscuits. Suddenly Harry remembered he had no Muggle money and neither did Ginny. The girl at the counter was getting a little surly as Harry fished in his pockets and only found Galleons and Sickles.

"Ah…sorry, don't have…must have forgotten my wallet at home," he said. "Best cancel that…

"Nonsense," said Mr. Robinson behind him. "I'll have a cup of tea also, April, dear. Here we go."

He handed a ten-pound note to the girl, who smiled and said the tea will ready in a minute.

Robinson then steered Harry and Ginny to a table in the not so crowded café.

"Sorry about that," Harry said, very embarrassed.

"Not to worry," he replied. "I've been paid in Galleons before, so I know all about it."

Ginny grinned. "Have you ever been to Diagon Alley?"

"Once, years ago," he said. "Smith took me, just to show me a bit of his world. Quite an eye-opener."

"For me too," said Harry. "I didn't know I was a…what I am, until I was 11 years old."

"Really?" replied Robinson and then held off his comments a moment while April brought over their tea and biscuits and handed Mr. Robinson his change. "The Dursleys never told you anything about it at all?" he continued after she had left.

Ginny snorted in disgust. "That lot of Muggles? Tried to stop him going to Hogwarts and everything. Imagine if that had happened. We'd all be in a right pickle now."

"Whatever do you mean?" Robinson asked in puzzlement.

"Don't you…oh, no, you don't," said Ginny. She looked to Harry who just nodded as he sipped his tea. "We had an enemy…a bad wiz…one of us. And Harry defeated him."

"Not alone," Harry quickly added. "Had plenty of help."

"My word," said Robinson staring at them with genuine surprise. "Was a bad chap, was he?"

"I think there is no real word to describe what he was," said Harry. "In fact…he was the one who murdered my parents."

Robinson now looked a bit stunned. "Murdered? But...it was a gas explosion. Wasn't it?"

Harry shook his head. "No, it wasn't. I guess Smith never told you about it. There was an explosion all right, but that was caused by a dark wizard losing his powers. He tried to kill me and it backfired on him and broke his spirit…for a while at least."

"Blimey," Robinson said next. "But…I mean, there were witnesses, police reports, a statement from the fire chief and the gas company. They all couldn't have lied. Smith saw them all and…Smith, he…oh…Smith."

"Yes," said Harry. "And I am sure he had some help from more like us. You see we can change memories, make people say things, forget things. Sometimes it is necessary."

"To hide the truth about us," added Ginny. "To keep us secret."

"Yes, I suppose it was necessary," said Robinson as he sipped his tea.

"Do you remember that night?" Harry asked him quietly.

Robinson looked as if he was thinking, remembering, before he spoke. "Halloween night, 1981. A bit chilly. Loads of children out in costumes, trick or treating. My son and his wife were taking my two granddaughters around while my wife and I stayed home to pass out sweets. Suddenly there was this loud bang. We rushed out into the street and saw your parent's cottage on fire, just for a brief moment, then the fire was gone. I remember the fire had a greenish tinge to it, quiet unreal in some ways. But at the moment it seemed less important than finding you and your parents. Of course, I knew who they were, they were clients of ours, and I knew they were from…from your world."

Harry gulped, unsure he wanted to hear more, but he must. "Then what happened?"

"There was smoke everywhere," Robinson continued. "Then the fire lads and police arrived. They put their hoses on the place, but the fire was out, it was just smoke, and then went inside. They found your parents…dead, I am sorry to say. And then someone took you out, still alive and not a mark on you. Well, except for that scar I guess, although I didn't see you closely at the time. I can't remember who it was took you out, probably a fireman. Then Smith was there…and, well, that's all there is to tell. The authorities handed you over to a relative, not the Dursleys, a big man…I remember ...I think so…but, anyways, the big fellow took you. I think he was on a motorcycle. But…all of that…never really happened, did it?"

"The part about the explosion and the big fellow, that's true," said Harry. The big fellow had been Hagrid, arriving too late to help his parents. "And my parents did die."

"Yes," said Robinson quietly. "There was no hiding that."

There was an awkward silence for a few moments and then Harry spoke again. "Was anyone else there?" Harry asked. "I mean, anyone odd, not from the village."

Robinson shook his head. "No. But some children, including one of my granddaughters…they thought they saw a man in a costume enter the house before the accident. But there was no third body in the house. But you know, the police wrote up a full report on what happened. I am sure they would let you see it, since you were involved."

"I think I would like to see it," said Harry. Then he remembered how Muggles were about proving who you were. "But…well, I haven't brought any ID with me."

"Not to worry, I can vouch for you."

"Thanks," said Harry. "Mr. Robinson, I'd hate ask, but there is one more thing I'd like to know."

"Yes, by all means."

"What do you know about the Peverell family?"

Robinson pursed his lips together and made a 'Hmmm' sound before he spoke. "Not much. There is headstone in the graveyard with that name. A very old headstone, from the 13th century I believe. Of course, Bathilda Bagshot would have been the one to ask about that name, since she was our local historian. Yours too, if what Smith tells me is correct. But, alas, she died last Christmas Eve. Or at least her body was discovered at that time."

Ginny shot Harry a warning look and need not have since he wasn't going to mention his and Hermione's previous visit.

"How did she die?" Ginny asked quickly.

"Terrible business," said Robinson solemnly. "They found her body in her home. The medical examiner said she had been dead for at least a month. The only reason they found her was some kids must have been throwing rocks and knocked out one of her upper windows. The neighbors went to check on her and found her dead. Funny thing is, some villagers claim to have seen her walking about just the day before. But the police captain told me that the medical report said she had been dead a month."

"Maybe she was a ghost," said Harry, half in jest, knowing the real reason why she had been walking around.

"No such thing," Robinson said with a bit of a smile, which quickly fell as he saw Harry and Ginny glance at each other. "Is there?"

"Ah….yes, we have a few," said Ginny and then wished she hadn't as Robinson turned slightly pale. "Mostly friendly," she quickly added.

"Sometimes I wish I had never heard of your…world," he said after collecting himself. "Sorry. So…Mrs. Bagshot…did she write about the Peverells?"

"Not sure," replied Harry." I have only looked at one of her books. But there is nothing on the Peverells there. Maybe the church has some records?"

But Robinson shook his head. "I doubt it. It's only been there since 1689 and there are no genealogical records from before that date. And as far as I know, Ignotus Peverell is the only family member in the graveyard."

"Maybe his brothers are buried somewhere else," said Ginny.

"Oh? He had brothers?" asked Robinson. "How did you find that out?"

"Ah…just a legend, among our people," said Harry. "There were supposedly three Peverell brothers."

"I see. He was one of yours," said Robinson. "Well, I can look through Smith's old files and see if there is any mention of the family, but I am sure your school…what's it called…"

"Hogwarts," Ginny answered.

"Yes…Hogwarts…maybe they have some records. Smith once told me it is over a thousand years old."

"True," said Harry. He knew now he had to see the Hogwarts Scrolls if he ever wanted to find out more about the book and his connection to Peverells and the Deathly Hallows.

"May I ask why the interest in the Peverells?" Robinson queried.

Harry hesitated for a moment but then decided to tell him since he had been so helpful. "I think I may be a descendant, on my father's side."

"Ah," said Robinson. "Well, I can understand your interest but that will be very had to prove. Genealogy is a bit of a hobby of mine and most people have trouble finding their relatives further back than the 18th century. And then, most that do find something have some noble blood, had family members who were prominent in society or in business, so there are more records of them. Of course, churches kept birth and death records also, but they are not always perfect and don't tell you much."

"Not too many on our side go to church," said Harry.

"No, I suppose not," said Robinson. "They used to burn you at the stake in the old days."

"Not really," said Ginny and that brought more looks of surprise from Robinson. "We have ways to protect ourselves against fire."

"Oh…I think I have heard enough for one day," Robinson replied. "Too many shocks at a time are not good for a man of my age."

"Sorry," Ginny said in sincerity.

"Not to worry, my dear," he answered "Now, let's twaddle off to the bobby shop and see if the lads can dig up that old report."

They finished their tea and then left the café, walking down the High Street until they came to an official looking building which had the town seal on it and one section marked "police". Inside there was just one officer on duty, a young woman about 30 with brown hair and a pleasant but plain face. Harry was a bit surprised she was the only one here but it was Sunday after all. Maybe the others were out and about the village.

"Morning, Mr. Robinson," the police officer said as she stood behind a reception counter. "What can I do for you today?"

"Hello, Rachel, dear. Client of mine would like to see an old report."

"Right you are," she said, sitting behind a computer. "What are the details?"

Now Harry spoke up. "Explosion at 12 Stonewalk Road, October 31, 1981. Two deaths, Lily and James Potter." His voice broke as he said the last words and Ginny gently took his hand and gave a small squeeze.

"Oh, yes," she said. "The Potter explosion. Before my time, but well-known. Let's see…ah…it's not on the system. We are still updating old cases for the computer system. Haven't gotten to the early eighties yet. Think I might have the file in back."

She got up and went to a back room and they waited for about five minutes before she returned with a brown file folder.

"Here we are, Mr. Robinson," she said after she handed over the file. Then she pulled out another piece of paper from behind the counter and handed him a pen. "Fill in the requisition form, please. Then you can look it over. Afraid it can't leave the station as it is the only copy."

"Can we make a copy?" asked Harry.

"Not usually unless there is a legal case pending," she replied and looked to Robinson. "Is there?"

"No," said Robinson. "This is Harry Potter. His parents are the deceased."

"Oh," said the police officer with a look of sympathy on her face. "Sorry, Mr. Potter. Er..well, we can only give these reports out to a government or law firm representative or adult relations of the deceased. Are you 18 years old?"

"Yes," said Robinson swiftly. "Lad has forgotten his ID at home but I can vouched for him."

She nodded. "Then I think we can make a copy for you." With that she took the file and went back to a photocopy machine and soon returned with fifteen sheets of paper for Harry.

"Sigh here, Harry," Robinson said and Harry signed the requisition form at the bottom, just below where Robinson had signed it.

"That will be one pound fifty for the photocopy service," the officer told them and again to Harry's embarrassment Robinson paid for him. Soon they were back on the street after giving their thanks to the officer.

"I will repay you, Mr. Robinson," said Harry right away. "For the money you have spent and for your help in this matter."

"Of course," he replied. "You are my client after all. The bill will be in the post to…well, where do you live?

"At Hogwarts," said Ginny. "Harry's a professor now." The last was said with pride.

"How splendid," said Robinson. "But I guess the Royal Mail doesn't exactly deliver to wizard schools, does it?"

"No," said Harry. "I will send my owl to you. Just put the letter on his leg and he will find me."

"Ah yes, I have done that before," said Robinson. "Quite unusual, but useful. Maybe have it sent to my home. Don't want to have too many questions about owls at the office. Here you are." He handed his business card to Harry which had his home address also. "So…now, was there anything else?"

"No, I think we will just go look at my property and be off. Thank you for all your help."

"Thank you," Ginny also added.

"Anytime, anytime at all," he answered and after shaking hands with them he was off once more.

Harry and Ginny went to Stonewalk Road and looked at the damaged property again. They talked for a while on how to fix it up and Harry made a plan to begin next summer when the weather was fine and school was out. Soon they Apparated back to Hogwarts and despite Ginny's worries no one noticed she had been gone or at least said nothing to anyone about it if they did. They saw many students about, on the grounds and in the halls but despite the usual stares Harry got, nothing was out of the ordinary.

In Harry's office they went over the police report on what had happened so long ago. There were reports from the police, the responding fire brigade, the medical examiner, the gas company, and any witnesses from that night. Harry braved through the medical examiner's report which concluded his parents had died from the shock of the explosion, although there seemed to be no physical damage to their bodies. The Killing Curse leaves no mark. Well, not usually, he thought as he touched his scar for the first time since the spring. Ginny was looking at him from across the desk, sensing he was upset and he just handed the report to her and she read it also.

"This is harder than I thought it would be," she said in a depressed tone after she finished.

"It's all right," Harry replied in a thick voice. He coughed and cleared his throat. "Let's get through the rest." He sensed Ginny wanted to say something but she just nodded and started reading another page.

Most of it they knew already and it seemed like Smith and the other wizards had modified enough memories that there were few inconsistencies. But one thing stood out.

"Listen to this, Harry," Ginny said in excitement as she started reading aloud.

"November 1, 1981. Looters reported in remains of 12 Stonewalk Road. Witnessed by Officer B. Burns. – About 9 PM whilst standing guard outside the remains of 12 Stonewalk Road there was a sudden popping sound. I looked around and shone my torch in the lower floor of the building and saw a scruffy looking man, short, reddish hair, a sack in his hand, bulging, full of the owner's things I am sure. I shouted and ran into the building remains but could not find him. A search of the local area revealed nothing"

"Mundungus," Harry said with some anger.

"Right," said Ginny. "But it goes on."

"About thirty minutes later, I heard the same sound again. I thought the looter had returned, but it was a different man. This one was also short, but balding, light haired, and had a rat-like face. He was on the second floor. I saw his face in the torch light and he was holding something long and thin in his hand, something like a tree branch. Again I shouted but he was gone from view in an instant. I thought he ran to another room but he was nowhere to be seen. I ordered the guard doubled and placed officers on both floors. No more looters were reported."

Now Harry seethed. "Peter Pettigrew."

"Wormtail. Getting Voldemort's wand," said Ginny. "Bloody traitor."

"Dead now," Harry added. He was about to say more when the door to the office opened and Hermione walked in, still in her black dress and heels from last night, and holding a pile of books in her arms. She looked tired, but also had a silly grin on and an odd glow on her face.

"Oh!" she said in surprise. "Wasn't expecting anyone."

"Been busy?" Ginny teased. "Looks like you haven't even had time to change."

Hermione's cheeks went a bit pink. "Just got back," she said. "And I wanted to drop these off first." She walked in and dropped them on her desk.

"And how was the castle?" Harry asked.

"Lovely," she said in a serene sort of way.

"Castle?" Ginny asked with raised eyebrows.

"Your brother took me to a very nice hotel that used to be a castle," Hermione said. "It was grand."

"Doesn't sound like him at all," said Ginny. "Thought he'd take you to a pub and then the room over the bar."

Hermione gave her a cross look. "I don't think you know him as well as you think you do." Then she spotted the papers they were reading. "What's all this?"

"Police report on my parent's death," Harry told her. "We've been to Godric's Hollow. Trying to get a line on the Peverells and that book."

"Any luck?" Hermione asked as she picked up one of the pages from the report, the one Ginny had just read to Harry.

"Not much," Ginny answered. "I went with him."

"Good," said Hermione as she continued reading.

"Not concerned I was away from the school?" Ginny asked as she and Harry exchanged grins.

"What?" Hermione answered in a distracted way. "Oh. I guess you are back, so no worries. This is about Fletcher and Wormtail." She indicated the paper she was reading.

"Yes," said Harry. "Just filling in some of the gaps." He looked at the books she had brought in. "What's all that?"

"Research on Aramaic," she told them and Ginny and Harry looked at each other in surprise and then stood and started looking at the books, which included a Bible and Fredrick Green's An Introduction to Aramaic.

"How?" Harry asked her in awe.

"The British Library in London," she replied, sounding very proud of herself. "I dragged Ron there this morning. He's off home now, getting some…rest." She went a bit pink as she said this but pressed on. "It's so silly, I should have gone there ages ago, just never occurred to me. But then after we saw that book in the Library of Congress website, I thought, maybe the British Library has it also. I mean, it is the second largest library in the world after the Library of Congress, so it was worth a shot. And here we are."

Ginny was looking at her oddly. "You're not going to try to translate that potion and spell all by yourself are you?"

"Ah…yes…I think I'll have a go. Why not?"

"That's brilliant!" said Harry, but then his face fell. "But Snape and Bill said that it's a dead language, hardly anyone speaks it or knows it now."

"Which just goes to prove that they don't know everything," Hermione stated as she sat down. She picked up the Bible. "This is the English translation of the Latin translation which comes from the original Bible which was in Greek, Coptic and, in a few passages, Aramaic and Hebrew."

"What?" Ginny and Harry both said in surprise. Then Hermione picked up Fredrick Green's book.

"And this has copies of those passages in Aramaic, which is very similar to Hebrew. And by using these original Bible passages, Mr. Green has been able to provide a basis and key to unlocking ancient Aramaic. These other books also have some clues in how to translate Aramaic and some are about Hebrew. Now I just need that spell book and I can get to work and see if it can be done."

Harry couldn't believe what he was hearing. "You think you can do it?"

"Maybe," she answered. "But…don't get your hopes up Harry. Even if I can translate it, and we know what the potion ingredients are, we still have to be able to say the spell in the original language."

"Right," he said. "But this is a big step. And maybe we don't have to depend on any outsiders."

"Then we are really going through with this," Ginny said quietly. Harry just nodded. "And what about your promise?"

"What promise?" Hermione asked.

"I agreed to tell McGonagall and Charlie George everything," Harry said.

"Good," Hermione said swiftly. "It's about time."

"Maybe," Harry replied and Ginny just glared at him.

"No," she said, standing and getting angrier. "You said you would do it!"

"They'll put an end to all of this," Harry said, calmly, also standing. "When we are so close."

"I know you want to see your mother Harry," Ginny said, in a calmer tone now. "But what if Stone is really out there, trying to do the same thing…but to raise Voldemort, not someone he loved. We must tell them our fears. We don't have to mention your mother or what Snape told you."

"How can he tell them that without mentioning the book and the wand?" Hermione asked.

"I thought you were on my side!" Ginny shot back at her.

"I am!" Hermione replied. "But…it's getting too complicated to tell half truths anymore. It has to be everything or nothing."

Harry knew they were right, both of them. "All right," he said. "Charlie George will be here tomorrow afternoon. Then I will do it."

Ginny stared at him. "Are you sure?"

"Yes," he said. "You are both right. It's time to tell them. And it has to be everything. But…they won't like it, but it's not going to stop me from doing what I need to do, even if I have to leave Hogwarts and do it on my own."

Ginny and Hermione looked at each other, and then Harry. "I will continue to try to translate the spell," said Hermione. "No matter what."

"I'll see it through to the end with you…also no matter what happens," said Ginny.

"Thank you, both."

Ginny hugged him and Hermione went to speak but it came out with a yawn that escaped her mouth and she looked embarrassed.

"Didn't get much sleep?" Ginny teased as she broke the hug with Harry.

"No," Hermione replied with a slight grin. "I'd tell you all about it but…"

"Ewwww!" Ginny said with her face screwed up in distaste. "He's my brother!"

"Exactly," Hermione said while Harry laughed and it broke the tension. "I think I need to change and have a short cat nap before I tackle these books," Hermione said next

"And I've got Quidditch practice in an hour ," said Ginny. "I've got six who want to try out for Seeker, most of them first and second years. So I definitely need some lunch before the kitchen closes."

"Right," said Harry suddenly realizing he was hungry, too.

After lunch Harry watched in jealousy as Ginny and the rest of the Gryffindor Quidditch team walked down to the pitch, with six nervous looking younger students in tow. He decided to go back to his room and tell Snape what was going on.

"Sleep elsewhere last night?" Snape asked as soon as Harry had entered his room.

"Yes, not that it is any of your business. I went to Godric's Hollow to find out more about my parent's death and about Ignotus Peverell."

"What did you discover?"

"Nothing new about Peverell except he lived in the 13th century. The church is only a few centuries old and has no records back to his time. It was a long shot anyway. As for my parents, the police had a report of two thieves in the house the day after they died."

"Two thieves?" Snape said a little surprised. "Fletcher was one, stealing that book among other things I am sure. Who was…ah, Pettigrew."

"Yes, getting Voldemort's wand from the rubble."

"Of course," said Snape. "Which brings us back to said wand. We must use the Elder Wand to break it open."

"Maybe sooner than I thought, " Harry added to Snape's surprise.

"Yes? How so? You said you wanted to wait until the spell was translated. We do not even know what ingredients we need for the potion."

"Hermione has come up with a brainstorm." He quickly explained what she was trying to do.

Snape was quiet, moving back and forth near the fireplace as if pacing. When Harry finished explaining he stopped and spoke. "It may work. But if just one word is wrong, it could be disastrous."

"At least she may be able to discover the ingredients we need. Then we can see if it is possible or not."

"Yes, yes," said Snape. "But if we make the potion and do not know the next step it is pointless."

"At least we are trying something!" Harry shot back. "And what have you been doing all day, Severus?"

"Waiting for you, Potter. Standing guard over the things we need!"

Harry just turned away from him and sat on his bed. Snape continued floating back and forth, mumbling something, as if thinking out loud.

"Stop! Please!" Harry said suddenly. "I need to think!"

"What is brewing in your noggin now Potter?"

"I've decided to tell McGonagall and Charlie George what has been going on. Everything."

Snape stopped and a look of horror was on his face, if that were even possible for a ghost. "You can't!" he said in a strangled voice. "They will stop you, they will ruin everything!"

Before Harry could answer a knock came to the door. Harry was glad and opened it quickly. "Hermione?"

She had changed and was now wearing blue jeans and a sweater. "I've had a rest and now I want to look at that spell. Oh, hello, Severus." She walked into the room.

"Miss Granger," he said curtly. "I suppose it was your idea to tell the Headmistress and the Auror office all that has been going on."

"Ah…well, yes, but I said that last week. Harry decided to tell them just a while ago."

"And no doubt you had an influence on his decision."

"Leave her out of it, Snape," Harry said in a low menacing tone, harshly saying that name he hated almost as much as one other.

"I see I have interrupted something," Hermione said. "Maybe I should just take the book and go."

"That book will not leave this room," Snape said sharply, as if he was back in class giving orders. "If you wish to study it you must do so here."

Hermione glared at him and then turned to Harry who shrugged. "We can't take a chance on it going missing again."

"Fine," she said with heat. "I'll just get my things and be right back."

Harry and Snape did not speak while she was gone and when she returned with her books they concentrated on translating the spell. For hours they went back and forth, Hermione often in the middle of the other two's arguing, shaking her head as they sniped at each other like little children. Finally, it was time for supper and they had barely scratched the surface of what they needed to do.

"This will take forever," Harry moaned.

"It will go faster if I have some privacy next time," Hermione shot back.

"I will not let that book or wand out of my sight again," said Snape.

"Then one of you can't be here," she replied. "Sorry, Harry."

"Fine, I'll make myself scarce tomorrow night and you can work on it."

"Good," she said. "Supper?"

"Yes," he replied and off they went after placing the book back where it belonged and giving less than sincere goodbyes to Snape.

"He's going to try to stop me," Harry said with heat as they walked to the Great Hall.

"How can he?" she replied. "He's a ghost."

"He'll find a way, I just know it." They stopped talking as they reached the hall and were among the students. Ginny and the team were back, a bit mud splattered but in high spirits from the practice. Ginny even found a new Seeker, a second year student who was quite shy when Harry was introduced to him at the Gryffindor table.

"Big shoes to fill, mate," teased Seamus to the boy. "Harry won the Quidditch Cup three times for Gryffindor when he was Seeker."

"Did you?" asked the boy in awe. His name was William.

"No, William, just once. Third year. Fifth year I was kicked off the team when they won it and sixth year I was in detention when they won it all. Now your captain, Ginny, she's won it twice."

"Come off it, Harry," she answered. "We wouldn't have won either time without you racking up points in those first games."

They bantered back and forth about old games and all had a good laugh remembering how Oliver Wood had shed tears of joy when he had finally won the cup Harry's third year. After supper, Ginny went off to the baths and said good night to Harry after he nixed a plan she had for him to sneak in and join her somehow. With heavy footsteps he made his way back to his quarters, not looking forward to speaking to Snape again.

"Don't do it," said Snape, almost a plea in his voice, as soon as Harry had lit the lamps.

"I must," he replied as he sat on the sofa and lit the fire.

"Why?"

"I promised Ginny."

"It will ruin everything," Snape said. "All for the love of a girl."

"That's rich coming from you," Harry shot back.

"Yes, I suppose it is," he replied without argument. "But we are so close, Potter!"

"I know…but Stone is out there, trying to do the same thing. And if he succeeds…"

"Still with this nonsense?"

"Ollivander thinks it is possible."

"Ollivander? You told him!"

"Not everything. But he surmised much."

"Of course he did. The man has been around forever and a day and knows much more than he ever let's on."

"Stone was at the Malfoy manor. Ollivander remembers him."

Snape looked at him oddly. "How long was he there? Did he see Voldemort?"

"Ollivander doesn't know. But I wrote to Narcissa Malfoy. Maybe she knows, if she will speak to me."

Snape nodded. "She owes you, for helping Draco get off."

"I think she considers that a debt repaid, not one owed."

"Sorry?"

"She saved my life during the battle. Told him I was dead when I wasn't."

"How noble of her. Of course she only did it to save her own skin, knew you were the only one who could defeat the Dark…Voldemort."

"You're slipping."

"Old habits die hard. Now, about McGonagall and Charlie George?"

"My mind is made up."

"Then you are a fool. They will take it all away from you."

Harry shook his head. "No, they won't. I won't let them."

Snape scoffed. "The great Harry Potter, defying his two superiors. I would like to see that!"

"Good. You can join us in McGonagall's office tomorrow, say around one o'clock."

Snape smirked. "I wouldn't miss it for the world. Maybe at least I can make them see sense if you plan to spill your guts."

"Then it is decided. Now I have some preparation to do and then I need to rest, so if you don't mind."

Snape hesitated a second, then just nodded and floated up through the ceiling.

"Git," Harry said, a little too loudly.

"I heard that," came Snape's ghostly voice from the ceiling.

"GOOD!" Harry shouted back. Snape stuck his face down through the ceiling.

"I thought we were done with the insults?"

"And I thought you were leaving me alone. Planning on spending the night up there?"

"To keep an eye on things, yes."

"Fine…just…no moaning or rattling of chains or anything."

"You've seen too many Muggle ghost movies, Potter."

"How would…or right, you're half Muggle."

Snape said nothing so Harry got to work on his preparations, then finally managed to get to bed at a decent hour. He was bone tired and fell asleep instantly, despite knowing Snape was just up there.

Next morning came soon. He barely said a word to Snape and Snape did not even plea with him to change his mind. At breakfast he managed to ask McGonagall if he could see her after one o'clock in her officeand she agreed and did not even ask what it was about. No owl post came for Harry and he wondered if Narcissa Malfoy would even bother replying. Morning classes passed much too fast for Harry's liking. Before long it was lunchtime and then Charlie George was coming through the main doors where Harry greeted him.

"Lovely day," he said. "How was your weekend?'

"Bit busy," said Harry. "How goes the Stone hunt?"

They started walking as they talked. "No luck, I'm afraid," said Charlie George. "We've managed to keep the death of Holton out of the papers for now, but it will break soon I am sure. His family is appalled and they are threatening an inquiry, blaming us for forcing Stone's hand."

"That's not fair," said Harry. "We were trying to find the truth!" The he felt a twinge of guilt, knowing he was also hiding things.

"Yes, but they don't see it that way," replied Charlie George. "Oh, Harry, about Hagrid…"

"You got my letter?"

"Yes…well, it seems it may be possible. He has to make a formal written application and there needs to be a hearing on his case…but...it looks promising."

"That's grand," said Harry. "He'll be so happy."

"Good," said Charlie George, then a puzzled look came over his face. "This is the way to McGonagall's office."

Now the time had come. "Yes…we need to speak to her."

"Concerning?"

"Ah…the truth."

Charlie George looked at him. "From her…or from you?"

Harry gulped and felt his nerves give way under the stare of his teacher. "From me."

Charlie George just nodded. "About time."

Harry was flabbergasted. "Wh-h-hat?"

"Come Harry, who do you think you are dealing with? McGonagall and Dumbledore have known you haven't been laying all your cards on the table since this whole Stone business began. And I've had my suspicions, too. So, off we go."

Harry was in a daze and then just mumbled "bagpipes" and to his surprise the gargoyle moved instantly. Soon they were at the door and with a heavy hand and heart Harry knocked.

"Come in," said the Headmistress and with leaden legs Harry entered the room and sat with Charlie George in front of McGonagall's desk. Dumbledore's portrait was awake and Harry just nodded to him and he winked back, making Harry feel much better.

"Now, what's this all about?" McGonagall asked from her seat behind her desk.

"The truth," Harry said and then he began to speak.